San Francisco Giants: Family affair at training camp

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Aside from the name on the back of his jersey, Brett Bochy feels no different from any of the other young pitchers in big league camp.

"It's just a normal spring training," he said Sunday, pausing. "Except with your dad as the manager."

There's nothing normal about that last part. Bochy, a right-handed reliever, is a 25-year-old simply trying to soak up tips and add experience while in his first big league camp. He also happens to be the only one of the 37 pitchers in camp who has to pass his dad's office on the way into the clubhouse.

"It's pretty special," Bruce Bochy said, smiling. "I'm not going to lie. There's a little added stress that I don't know if I needed, but I'm proud of him. He had a great year last year. He's worked hard to get to this point."

For Brett Bochy, that's a point of pride whether it's coming from his father or teammates, many of whom have pointed out this week that the right-hander is here as a result of a strong 2012 season, not family ties. Brett, a 20th round pick of the Giants in 2010, had 14 saves, seven wins and a 2.53 ERA in 41 appearances at Double-A Richmond (Va.) last season. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, he spent 2011 at Single-A Augusta (Ga.), where he had a 1.38 ERA in 35 appearances.

Relying on a fastball, slider, cutter, changeup mix, Brett has opened eyes in his brief time in the minors.

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"He throws to both sides of the plate, and he can finish guys with his fastball because he's so good at locating it," said Johnny Monell, Richmond's catcher last season. "He doesn't ever talk about the name on his jersey. When he steps between the lines, he puts up those numbers and impresses. He's just another guy who has earned this."

After being shut down late last season with arm fatigue, Brett is healthy now and included throwing sessions with his father in his offseason workouts. In Scottsdale, Bruce is mostly hands-off with his son. Brett stays with the other minor leaguers at a hotel and comes and goes with teammates.

When he arrives at camp, however, Brett still has some of Bruce's longtime stars doing double takes.

"He looks so much like (Bruce)," said Tim Lincecum. "It's kind of cool and surreal. I remember when my dad was my coach, it was the hardest part because you wouldn't want to (tick) him off all the time.

The Giants' brisk Sunday workout lasted just over two hours. For the first time, the clubhouse included a full complement of players. Ramon Ramirez, the last missing player, sorted out a work visa issue and arrived in the morning.

Ramirez had a 2.07 ERA in 91 appearances with the Giants in 2010-11 before being shipped to the New York Mets in December 2011 as part of the Angel Pagan trade. Bochy said there are two spots available in the bullpen, although George Kontos is a heavy favorite to lock up a role. "We like to keep it competitive," Bochy said.

Bochy hasn't ruled out a bigger role for backup catcher Hector Sanchez this season, but first, Sanchez has to get smaller. "To be honest, he's got some work to do on the conditioning side," Bochy said.

Rising prospect Joe Panik will work at shortstop and second base this spring after playing exclusively shortstop at High-A San Jose last season. Panik, a 2011 first-round pick, hit .297 with seven homers in his first full season in the minors.